Assalaamu alaikum freshman, first-year graduate students, and all other new students! Insha’Allah, you will have a wonderful time here. As your brothers and sisters, we want to make this transition as smooth as possible for you. This page is mainly for pointing you to the relevant pages located elsewhere within the site. Still, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the MSA Executive Committee at msa-ec@mit.edu.
Housing · Holidays · The MSA and You · Academics · Activities & Clubs · Transportation · Safety · Health · Important Links
Be sure to also check out the Dining and Prayer Room pages.
Housing
Please visit our Housing section to read about your options, as well as the dorms and locations that are popular among MIT students.
Holidays
The MSA hosts a variety of events throughout Ramadan and around the times of each Eid. Learn more on the Ramadan page.
Get Involved
Join the MITMSA! It’s easy, and it’s well worth it. Please make sure to check out the sidebar, as well as our calendar for upcoming events. You can become further involved by joining one of our mailing lists.
Academics
Ah, yes, which classes to take, this entire HASS-D business, the swimming requirement, and all of these weird numbers. If you want advice in selecting and dealing with classes that MIT has to offer, contact an MSA member or talk to your friends and advisers. There really isn’t a much better way!
Activities
Orientation will be your introduction to the various academic and extra curricular possibilities at MIT. The MIT Activities page will also be a useful guide.
Transportation
Many of the dorms, especially the graduate dorms, are all ten minutes’ walking time from your classes and labs. So, investing in roller blades, a skateboard, or a bike would not be a bad idea. One or more of these modes of transportation will also help you quickly get where you need to go in Boston or Cambridge. Refer to your MIT Handbook for more information about bicycle regulations, where to get them, etc.
Also, parking on campus is with permit only, and most students don’t need cars as the Boston-Cambridge public transit system is quite efficient. Be sure to become familiar with Boston’s subway system, as well as with its extensive bus network, which together making up the “T”. Note that the Red Line’s Kendall/MIT station is on the east end of campus; 1 and CT1 buses stop along Massachusetts Avenue, and CT2 buses stop along Vasser Street. If you use public transportation frequently, you may to consider getting a subsidized T pass through MIT. Even if you don’t get a pass, be sure to pick up a free Charlie card (available at most subway stops); fares with the Charlie card are lower and you distinguish yourself from the tourists.
Lastly, you should know that MIT runs several shuttles across campus and throughout Cambridge and Boston.
Safety
MIT and Cambridge are relatively safe, especially during the day. Although the crime rate is low, there have been thefts. Please refer to the police site for more information. (Note, though, that the area around the Student Center and Harvard Square are usually considered safe around the clock). Keep your valuables secured in dorm rooms, and exercise caution with respect to leaving your door open.
Health
MIT has 24-hour health services in the medical building, which ironically is just about as far from the West Campus dorms as possible. Basic services, check-ups, etc., are covered by your tuition, but be on the lookout for issues with medical insurance and waivers; you may have to pay for supplemental insuring. Refer to your How to Get Around MIT handbook or MIT Medical’s website for additional information.
Important Links
For Undergraduates
- Your First Year – Important information to get you off on the right track
- Undergrad Orientation – Your introduction to all MIT has to offer, inside and outside the classroom
For Graduates Students
- Graduate Student Council – Your graduate student government
- Graduate Housing Options – For questions and information concerning on-campus housing
- Off-Campus Housing Office – The place to begin an off-campus housing search.
